Mulade inaugurates LOC, unveils N50m Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup to promote harmony

Michael Olumide Alabi

Convener of the 2026 Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup and National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, has inaugurated a 25-member Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the forthcoming tournament, unveiling a N50 million grassroots sports initiative aimed at promoting peace, unity, cultural integration and youth empowerment across Delta State.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Chief Mulade described the competition as a strategic peace-building platform that would unite the state’s diverse ethnic nationalities through sports while strengthening social cohesion and fostering sustainable development.

The initiative, jointly organised by CEPEJ and the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, is expected to bring together youths from Delta State’s seven major ethnic nationalities—Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Aniocha/Oshimili, Ika, Ndokwa and Urhobo—in a football competition designed to promote friendship, understanding and peaceful coexistence.

Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, stressed that the Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup goes beyond football, describing it as a comprehensive peace-building programme that seeks to break ethnic barriers, encourage dialogue and build lasting relationships among young people from different communities.

According to him, the tournament will serve as a catalyst for cultural exchange, trust-building and cooperation while reinforcing the values of tolerance and mutual respect needed for sustainable peace and development in Delta State.

He explained that the competition would also provide a productive platform for youth engagement by identifying sporting talents, nurturing future leaders and redirecting young people toward positive ventures capable of contributing meaningfully to their communities and the state.

Chief Mulade disclosed that the tournament, themed “One in All,” would feature four age categories—Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-20—to ensure broad participation and create opportunities for talent discovery and development at the grassroots level.

He further announced that winners in the various categories would receive multi-million-naira prizes, noting that the reward structure was designed to stimulate healthy competition, increase participation and inspire excellence among young athletes across the state.

Describing the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee as the beginning of an important journey, the peace advocate charged committee members to carry out their responsibilities with transparency, professionalism, dedication and teamwork to ensure the successful delivery of what he described as a historic competition.

Chief Mulade also appealed to traditional rulers, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the initiative, emphasizing that collective participation would deepen relationships among Delta’s ethnic nationalities while promoting lasting peace and stability.

He maintained that peaceful coexistence remains essential for attracting investments and accelerating socio-economic development, adding that the initiative aligns with the development vision of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, by helping to create a secure and peaceful environment capable of attracting investors, creating jobs and improving the quality of life of the people.

Expressing optimism about the long-term impact of the competition, the CEPEJ National Coordinator said the Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup is expected to evolve into one of the state’s foremost grassroots sports and peace-building programmes.

A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the 25-member Local Organising Committee, with former Super Eagles star Edema Fuludu appointed as Adviser, while former footballer and former Chairman of the Delta State Football Association (DFA) was unveiled as Chairman of the LOC.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling and inspection of football kits for all participating ethnic teams, symbolising the official commencement of preparations for the competition.
Chief Mulade called on all Deltans to embrace the vision of a united, peaceful and prosperous state where diversity is celebrated as a source of strength rather than division.

He reaffirmed that the 2026 Delta Ethnic Peace & Unity Cup would bring together young people from the seven major ethnic nationalities under the unifying slogan: “One Delta. One People. One Victory.”